Newly licensed CW buffs can get their copying skills in shape on Sunday, December 16 as the CW edition of the ARRL Rookie Roundup takes to the airwaves! The Rookie Roundup combines a competitive event with some on-the-air training, with the goal of bringing fun and Elmering into the 21st century.

Who is a Rookie? Any amateur licensed for three years or less, regardless of license class. If you received your license in 2010, 2011 or 2012, you’re eligible to compete as a Rookie; stations licensed before 2010 can only submit checklogs, but they will be recognized in the final results. Old Timers are encouraged to get on the air and work the Rookies. This is an immediate, hands-on way to teach good operating practices to those just getting started. The Rookie Roundup is also an excellent activity for clubs, offering a chance for club members to open their doors to those newer club members.

There are many ways for Rookies to participate: Enter as a Single Operator, or enter the Multioperator category and join a group of other Rookies at one station, taking turns at the key. In addition, up to five Single Operator Rookies can operate from separate stations and combine their scores as a team. Stations are allowed a maximum of 100 W, Elmering is encouraged and use of spotting networks is allowed, but please -- no self-spotting.

If you’re a Rookie new to CW, get on the air and listen for stations calling “CQ RR” -- or call “CQ RR” yourself! You need not send any faster than you can copy -- people will slow down for you and you will work stations. If you’re an Old Timer, or a member of a club that promotes CW operating, break out your straight key or paddle, send slowly and work some Rookies. You can show them how much fun CW can be! The Rookie Roundup is a great warm-up for ARRL Straight Key Night (held on New Year’s Eve) and the North American CW QSO Party (scheduled for January 12-13.

Three Rookie Roundups -- SSB, RTTY and CW -- are held each calendar year. The CW running of the Rookie Roundup will take place Sunday, December 16 from 1800 UTC through 2359 UTC. Use the real-time contest logger to log QSOs, or use the paper summary sheet and log. Submit your score using the online Score Submission Form by 2359 UTC on Wednesday, December 19. Certificates will be e-mailed to all participants shortly after the event.